A State Police dispatcher working in District 7 in Española is being investigated for allegedly impersonating a police officer and carrying a loaded firearm in a public place in California, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department and State Police.
Michael Tafoya, 21, is still performing his normal duties for State Police, Capt. Daniel Lovato said Monday.
Santa Rosa Police officers were dispatched to Santa Rosa Plaza mall April 23 after a caller said someone had a gun, Sgt. Lisa Banayat said. A report on impersonating an officer and carrying a loaded firearm in a public place was referred to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s office for possible prosecution, Banayat said. The police have refused to release more details on the case
Tafoya was not arrested, only interviewed, Banayat said. The Sonoma County Jail had no record of him being booked at the facility.
Lovato confirmed Tafoya was contacted by the Santa Rosa Police Department, but said he is waiting for a copy of the police report before making any decisions about possibly disciplining him. Lovato denied a rumor that Tafoya stole a badge from State Police, saying that no badges had been stolen, but they do go missing from time to time.
Tafoya previously worked at Española Rio Arriba 911 Center from March 2006 until June 2007, when he resigned, according to Center Director Marti Griego. He then worked for the Santa Fe State Police dispatch, and transferred to the Española office a little less than a year ago, Lovato said.
Tafoya did not return a call for comment.
From a press release
State Highway Department crews plan to do some minor repaving and roadwork on Highway 84/285 between Lower San Pedro and Vietnam Veterans Drive starting May 4.
Motorists can expect single-lane closures on weekdays, and possibly weekends, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The work is scheduled to last about three weeks.
For more information, call Department District Five spokeswoman Karyn Lujan at 827-9567 or visit www.nmroads.com.